What is the Agricultural Enhancement Program?

The West Virginia Agricultural Enhancement Program (AgEP) is administered by the West Virginia Conservation Districts (CDs) with assistance from the West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA).

AgEP's mission is to assist the agricultural cooperators of West Virginia Conservation Districts with the voluntary implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on West Virginia agricultural lands in order to conserve and improve land and water quality for all West Virginia residents. The program offers technical and financial assistance as an incentive to implement suggested best management practices. Overall program primary objectives include the reduction of nutrients and sediment from entering the waters within the State and increasing farm profitability and sustainability.

What are agricultural best management practices?

Agronomic or engineering activities that contribute to the wise use and sustainability of natural resources.

What are the BMPs offered through AgEP?

Each Conservation District (CD) has the opportunity to select from the State Conservation Committee approved list.
Please contact your local CD to learn which practices are available for you.
This WVCA BMP manual is available and contains useful information.

How is my application evaluated?

Each eligible application is ranked by staff according to approved ranking criteria. Questions range from general information to practice-specific.
Please follow THIS LINK to see a list of BMP specific evaluation forms.

Who makes the approvals/denials?

The Conservation District board takes action on AgEP applications based on the ranking scores and available funds. Applications
by Conservation District supervisors are approved/denied by the West Virginia Conservation Agency based on the ranking scores and available funds.

What are the program timelines?

The program year for AgEP is July 1 - June 30. The program criteria, financial assistance rates, program schedules, BMPs and other information is approved each year by the State Conservation Committee and must remain in place for the entire program year. Each CD will have different application periods, ranking periods and program deadlines within the July 1 - June 30 program year. Please contact your local CD for additional information.